Are you a foodie looking to elevate your culinary creations to the next level? Look no further than kosher salt.
This coarse, additive-free salt is prized by chefs for its pure flavor and ability to enhance any dish. But where can you find it in the UK?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to buy kosher salt and why it’s worth seeking out this special ingredient.
So grab your apron and get ready to unleash your inner chef!
Where Can I Buy Kosher Salt In UK?
Kosher salt is readily available in most supermarkets in the UK, but it may not always be labeled as such. Instead, you may find it under the names “coarse salt” or “rock salt.” However, if you’re looking for certified kosher salt, you may need to do a bit more searching.
One option is to check online retailers that specialize in kosher products. These retailers often carry a wide variety of kosher salts, including Diamond Crystal kosher salt, which is a popular choice among chefs.
Another option is to visit specialty food stores or gourmet markets that cater to chefs and food enthusiasts. These stores may carry a wider selection of kosher salts and other specialty ingredients that can take your cooking to the next level.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out the stockist list on the Maldon Sea Salt website. This list includes retailers across the UK that carry Maldon Sea Salt flakes, which are a type of flaked sea salt that is similar to kosher salt in texture and flavor.
What Is Kosher Salt?
Kosher salt is a type of rock salt that is larger in grain and much coarser than standard table or cooking salt. It is free from additives such as iodine, which are common in some salts. The name “kosher” comes from the Jewish method of dry brining meats rather than any religious dietary requirements.
Kosher salt has a pure, strong flavor and can be used in the same way as any standard salt, both for cooking and for the table. Due to its grain size, this salt is also used as an abrasive cleaner for cookware such as cast iron skillets, as it dissolves easily and does not leave a residue on the pan like some cleaning products do.
Diamond Crystal kosher salt is a world-renowned variety that is famed for its texture, flavor, and the way that the grains stick to food easily. It is a pure and natural variety with no additives. This salt is often referenced in cookbooks and used by chefs because of its unique properties.
Why Use Kosher Salt In Cooking?
Kosher salt is a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike for a few reasons. Firstly, its large grain size makes it easy to pick up and sprinkle over dishes, giving you more control over the amount of seasoning you add. Additionally, kosher salt is less refined than other types of salt, like table salt, and usually doesn’t contain additives like anti-clumping or anti-caking agents. This means that it has a pure flavor and lacks any aftertaste that some people may find unpleasant.
Another reason why kosher salt is preferred in cooking is its versatility. It can be used for seasoning dishes, curing or smoking meat, and pickling or brining foods. Plus, like other types of salt, it’s a good source of sodium, which plays a central role in nerve and muscle function and maintaining fluid balance in your body.
Some people also prefer kosher salt over sea salt because it is more consistent in its texture and flavor. While sea salt may have micro nutrients and subtle flavors that are not present in kosher salt, its rough, chunky texture can make it difficult to use as a consistent seasoning agent in cooking.
Finally, the larger grains of kosher salt make it easier to visually see and measure how much salt has been added to a dish, which can be especially helpful for novice cooks who are still developing their skills in the kitchen.
Online Retailers For Kosher Salt
If you prefer to shop for kosher salt from the comfort of your own home, there are several online retailers that offer a variety of options. One popular online retailer is Amazon, which carries a range of kosher salts from different brands, including Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Another option is Kosher Kingdom, an online store that specializes in kosher products and offers a selection of kosher salts from various brands.
For those who prefer to support smaller businesses, there are also independent online retailers that offer kosher salt. The Jewish Deli, for example, is an online store that sells a variety of kosher products, including kosher salt. They offer Diamond Crystal kosher salt in both 1.36kg and 3.63kg boxes.
It’s important to note that when shopping for kosher salt online, you should always check the product description and certification to ensure that it meets your dietary needs. Additionally, be sure to compare prices and shipping fees across different retailers to get the best deal.
Brick And Mortar Stores For Kosher Salt
If you prefer to shop in person, there are several brick and mortar stores in the UK where you can find kosher salt. Major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose typically carry kosher salt under the name “coarse salt” or “rock salt.” Look for it in the spice section, usually on the lower shelves.
Specialty food stores like Whole Foods and Planet Organic may also carry kosher salt, as well as other types of gourmet salts. These stores often have knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the right salt for your needs.
If you’re looking for certified kosher salt, you may need to visit a Jewish grocery store or deli. These stores specialize in kosher products and may carry a wider variety of kosher salts than mainstream retailers.
Tips For Cooking With Kosher Salt
Cooking with kosher salt can be a game-changer for your dishes. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this unique ingredient:
1. Use it for seasoning finished dishes: The larger crystal size of kosher salt makes it easier to control the intensity of the saltiness, so it’s perfect for adding a final touch of flavor to your dishes.
2. Season as you cook: Once you get used to the texture and flavor of kosher salt, you’ll likely find yourself reaching for it more often when cooking. Try using it to season pasta water, sauces, stir-fries, and other dishes as you cook.
3. Salt and dry food: Kosher salt is a popular choice for salting food because its flakes stick easily to the surface of the food. It’s also great for drying out meat or fish before cooking.
4. Ferment food: If you’re into fermenting foods like sauerkraut or pickles, kosher salt is an excellent choice because it doesn’t contain any additives that could inhibit the fermentation process.
5. Make flavored salt mixes: The texture of kosher salt makes it ideal for combining with other ingredients like herbs, citrus peel, chili flakes, or garlic to create homemade flavored salts. Serve your salt mix alongside good olive oil for dipping bread.
By following these tips, you can take full advantage of the unique properties of kosher salt and elevate your cooking to new heights.
